Multi-element Analysis of Brain Regions from South African Cadavers

Trace elements are vital for a variety of functions in the brain. However, an imbalance can result in oxidative stress. It is important to ascertain the normal levels in different brain regions, as such information is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to provide baseline trace element concentrations from a South African population, as well as determine trace element differences between sex and brain regions. Samples from the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus and hippocampus were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, strontium, vanadium and zinc were assessed. A multiple median regression model was used to determine differences between sex and regions. Twenty-nine male and 13 female cadavers from a Western Cape, South African population were included (mean age 35 years, range 19 to 45). Trace element levels were comparable to those of other populations, although magnesium was considerably lower. While there were no sex differences, significant anatomical regional differences existed; the caudate nucleus and hippocampus were the most similar, and the globus pallidus and hippocampus the most different. In conclusion, this is the first article to report the trace element concentrations of brain regions from a South African population. Low magnesium levels in the brain may be linked to a dietary deficiency, and migraines, depression and epilepsy have been linked to low magnesium levels. Future research should be directed to increase the dietary intake of magnesium.

Automated summary

This study provides baseline trace element concentrations of brain regions from a South African population for the first time, revealing lower magnesium levels in the brain which may be linked to dietary deficiency. While no sex differences were found, significant anatomical regional differences exist, with the caudate nucleus and hippocampus being most similar and the globus pallidus and hippocampus being most different.